Dana 60s.. Dodge and Chevy... help with the truth - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

four_by_ken · 12-10-2001, 08:25 AM

I have an 86 K5 Blazer.
I have been told several stories here...
Will a Dodge Dana 60 bolt right in?
I have been told that it will sit 3 inches to the passenger side.
I have told it has differant width spring pads.
I have been told the brake lines are differant.

Whats the truth?

Thanks
Ken H.

patooyee · 12-10-2001, 10:16 AM

Can't answer any of those, but I can raise another question.

I've heard that the Dodge versions were made of an inferior metalurgy that makes them more prone to bend and break.

J. J.

four_by_ken · 12-10-2001, 10:21 AM

Isnt that just the new ones, like 88+... the older are fine I think.

Ken H.

82TOYLB · 12-10-2001, 01:53 PM

The newer dodge d-60's and also the ford d-60's have ball joints in their front knuckles instead of the kingpin style, supposedly somewhat weaker. The biggest weakness of the "new" dodge D-60's is the two piece longside shaft that has a sleeve that is vacuum actuated. The sleeve is very weak. As far as how far apart the spring perches are on the dodge I don't know, go find an older dodge and measure the width of the perches, probably the same on the d-44 model dodges.

bigblaze · 12-10-2001, 02:04 PM

dodge 32 3/4 center of spring to center of spring. chevy 32
dodge approx 2 inches narrower over all wms to wms. dodge 60s dont have as much castor. dodge has two different style hubs external and internal.chevy internal only

hy_desert_4wheeler · 12-10-2001, 04:29 PM

The spring pads on a chevy are a little closer together(less than 1/2 inch) however they bolt in from one to the other(I used a chevy axle in a 76 Dodge I has to get rid of the fulltime stuff). The brake lines are different> the Dodge has the brake line running along the top of the axle to each wheel. The Chevy runs along the frame with a rubber line from the frame to each wheel however they both use the same fitting on the caliper so if you use a dodge axle in your chevy you can unbolt your brake line from the caliper and bolt it to the Dodge.. As far as metalurgy I believe the axles are all made at the Dana factory to the specifications of the truck manufacturer. I will put my 93 DODGE Dana 60 up against anybodys Dana 60

12-10-2001, 08:25 AM	#1 (permalink)
four_by_ken Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Member # 1724 Location: SE, MI Posts: 242	Dana 60s.. Dodge and Chevy... help with the truth I have an 86 K5 Blazer. I have been told several stories here... Will a Dodge Dana 60 bolt right in? I have been told that it will sit 3 inches to the passenger side. I have told it has differant width spring pads. I have been told the brake lines are differant. Whats the truth? Thanks Ken H. Last edited by four_by_ken; 12-10-2001 at 08:28 AM.

12-10-2001, 10:16 AM	#2 (permalink)
patooyee www.patparts.com Join Date: May 2001 Member # 4821 Location: Gulf Breeze, FL Posts: 8,753	Can't answer any of those, but I can raise another question. I've heard that the Dodge versions were made of an inferior metalurgy that makes them more prone to bend and break. J. J. __________________ www.PATPARTS.com Like Patooyee's Parts on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/Patooyee

12-10-2001, 01:53 PM	#4 (permalink)
82TOYLB Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Member # 1909 Location: Loma Linda, CA USA Posts: 301	The newer dodge d-60's and also the ford d-60's have ball joints in their front knuckles instead of the kingpin style, supposedly somewhat weaker. The biggest weakness of the "new" dodge D-60's is the two piece longside shaft that has a sleeve that is vacuum actuated. The sleeve is very weak. As far as how far apart the spring perches are on the dodge I don't know, go find an older dodge and measure the width of the perches, probably the same on the d-44 model dodges. __________________ Michael Lockwood Reedley, Ca. after 7 yrs in Sacto. 82 Toy with marlin and welded rear, locked front, 35's, 38's, 36's, depending on month/mood. SOLD IT! 79 K5, 14FF Detroit, D60 Lockright, Rockstomper Crossover Steering, 4.56's, 4L60E. 39.5 TSL's, Doubler.

12-10-2001, 02:04 PM	#5 (permalink)
bigblaze Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Member # 382 Location: Vancouver, Wa Posts: 617	dodge 32 3/4 center of spring to center of spring. chevy 32 dodge approx 2 inches narrower over all wms to wms. dodge 60s dont have as much castor. dodge has two different style hubs external and internal.chevy internal only __________________ 72 SUBURBAN, 72 blazer, straight axled 02 duramax crewcab and 90 shortwide

12-10-2001, 04:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
hy_desert_4wheeler Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Member # 2790 Location: Stinnett Tx USA Posts: 1,629	The spring pads on a chevy are a little closer together(less than 1/2 inch) however they bolt in from one to the other(I used a chevy axle in a 76 Dodge I has to get rid of the fulltime stuff). The brake lines are different> the Dodge has the brake line running along the top of the axle to each wheel. The Chevy runs along the frame with a rubber line from the frame to each wheel however they both use the same fitting on the caliper so if you use a dodge axle in your chevy you can unbolt your brake line from the caliper and bolt it to the Dodge.. As far as metalurgy I believe the axles are all made at the Dana factory to the specifications of the truck manufacturer. I will put my 93 DODGE Dana 60 up against anybodys Dana 60 __________________ Russ hy_desert_4wheeler 46 Dodge WC15--67 M715--85 Jeep CJ10A--06 Dodge Ram2500Quad cab Cummins--94 Suburban--06 Ridgeline-

12-10-2001, 10:21 AM	#3 (permalink)
four_by_ken Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Member # 1724 Location: SE, MI Posts: 242	Isnt that just the new ones, like 88+... the older are fine I think. Ken H.

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